The road traffic sign systems can be rather challenging for drivers who are not very experienced. There exist numerous signs that are complex and challenging to interpret, they are best memorized over time.
A yield sign is one such sign. To ensure that there is no misunderstanding, we will solely focus on this particular sign and the laws about it in this article.
What is a yield sign?
A yield sign is a regulatory traffic sign that instructs drivers to slow and, if necessary, stop, allowing other users of the road (vehicles and pedestrians) to pass who have right-of-way before proceeding.
The sign is an inverted triangle, has a red border, a white background, and the word “YIELD” in the middle of the sign (likely in black). The yield sign obligates drivers to make an assessment and yield to vehicles and pedestrians before safely passing through the intersection.
The objective of a yield sign is to manage a proper flow of traffic at an intersection when stop signals may not be installed, and make it clear when to yield to others. It is a regulatory sign. Drivers approaching a yield sign must slow.
History Of the Yield Sign
“Yield” on the sign means “give way” or “give concession.” In 1950, the first yield sign was erected at First Street and Columbia Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This intersection was considered one of the most dangerous in Tulsa before the sign was implemented.
A right-of-way law was already in place, but enforcement was difficult, and many drivers did not follow the rules. Officer Clinton Riggs, a native of Tulsa and a police officer, began to construct a sign that he felt would help. He also wanted to establish blame in case of a crash, and his sign was intended to clarify liability.
The original yield sign was shaped like a keystone and said “Yield Right of Way” in black letters on a bright background. In the beginning, it was yellow because they did not have reflective material available, and yellow was the most visible color at night.
Ultimately, within a year of the sign’s posting, accidents were down dramatically, and the drivers learned to approach this intersection carefully. The banner launched more yield signs as well as publicizing to other cities around Tulsa.
What Does A Yield Sign Mean?
A yield sign is classified as a regulatory sign. As a driver comes up to approach a yield sign, he or she needs to look out for either oncoming traffic or vehicles from other roadways at intersections.
Slowing down is important, and stopping completely becomes necessary for a driver to let another vehicle proceed ahead. Moreover, he or she needs to pay attention to the pedestrians as well as the moving cycles and vehicles, and unquestionably give them the right of way.
When there is a surface yield line, vehicles need to observe the right of way emphatically. While they approach the sign or the line, drivers are required to make sure that he or she can clear the pathway ahead.
In most cases, a driver needs to guarantee that the right-of-way is offered and the path is cleared before proceeding. In most cases, these types of yield signs are located in places where intersections are present and are not heavily congested with traffic.
Characteristics of Yield Signs
All yield signs can be identified by their distinct triangular shape, which also allows them to be easily spotted from a distance. Nonetheless, there are other critical traits of a yield sign that play an important role in maintaining traffic safety. The following are some particularly notable traits of yield signs:
Yield Sign Color and Shape
In the United States, all yield signs are in the shape of an inverted triangle with the tip pointing downwards. The yield right-of-way sign has a thick red border surrounding a white section. In this white section, to make dominant and easily visible for the drivers, the word “YIELD” is systematically placed in bold red letters in the center of the sign.
But why are some yield signs yellow? Historically, some yield signs were issued in yellow and are still in use today in some areas.
But as we look and analyze the later issued yellow signs, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) set forth guidelines for issuing the red bordered yield signs as standardized control signs that were to be placed on inverted triangles with white interiors and red text.
Setting these guidelines enabled control over the previously unstandardized yellow signs. The goal of issuing these guidelines was to ensure better consistency in the placement of road signs across the country.
Yield Sign Placement and Size
Yield signs are installed at locations where drivers are anticipated to give way to other vehicles, for example, at an intersection or a pedestrian crossing. A yield sign is appropriately placed at junctions where there are no traffic lights or stop signs, but some roads have high traffic volumes.
They may also be placed on freeway ramps or other locations where merging with the traffic is required. These traffic signs are also placed at a distance from the intersection so that motorists can decelerate and get ready to yield.
A yield sign is normally smaller than other traffic signs like stop signs or speed limit signs, nevertheless, it is still sufficiently large to be easily seen.
Visibility and Reflectivity
As noted above, they need to be specially marked such that obstructions posed by bad visible light conditions, which could be weather-related, do not pose any hindrances. Night illumination from the car’s headlight or street lights renders them unmarked.
Where the materials covering yield signs at night aid in making maneuvers from a distance possible during daylight, enhancing the scope of traffic safety on offer.
Reflective materials enable visibility and shaping yield signs during the daytime with the car headlights, devoid of making unmarked areas around the providing lights requirement.
What To Do When You See A YIELD Sign?
Slow down and stop if necessary. Be aware of other vehicles behind you or approaching from opposite directions. Look for pedestrians – especially children – nearby and proceed with caution to avoid accidents. You may also stop to let another vehicle pass first but do so with enough time to warn vehicles behind your car.
- When using a multi-lane road, in a scenario where one vehicle within a different lane has the right of way, decelerate and allow them to pass, then go on with your journey.
- At an intersection, slow down and proceed carefully if there are no other vehicles or pedestrians. You needn’t stop.
- The most important rule to follow when other vehicles are approaching the intersection is to give way to the one that arrives at the intersection first. This means that as the driver, you must either slowly go through the intersection or come to a complete stop so that you do not interfere with the other vehicles.
- You can stop at a YIELD sign if you think it is safer for others to proceed before you do. However, this may upset drivers behind you. But that’s okay – safety first!
The Difference Between A Stop Sign And A Yield Sign
A yield sign is a sign that is easier to understand than a stop sign, although they do have their similarities. The yield sign means that you will have to give way to pedestrians or other vehicles that are already traveling on the road before you can continue. You do not need to stop completely, however, if other vehicles are not coming from the other side.
When it comes to stop signs, on the other hand, you must always come to a complete stop, even if you are rolling slowly; it could still get you a ticket. This could explain why stop signs are more commonly used at four-way intersections while yield signs are more commonly used while merging into roundabouts or getting into them.
Why Is The YIELD Sign Used For Traffic Regulation?
A YIELD sign’s primary function is to eliminate uncertainty about who should give way at intersections or places with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Unfortunately, many drivers view the sign as a source of confusion.
More often than not, drivers who do understand the rules of the road and stop/slow down at YIELD signs are often chastised by those driving behind them.
Following the YIELD rule is crucial to safe driving – defensive driving is always better for everyone. Most of the time, letting other vehicles go first during lane changes or at the intersection benefits all involved.
Moreover, no time is saved by aggressive driving that disregards traffic regulations. YIELD signs help control accident rates as well as reduce congestion in high-traffic areas that are caused by reckless driving.